Research and Development Engineer 1 TX

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX (004756)

UCPath Position ID: TBD_189890

Position Description History/Status

Approved Date:

11/5/2025 7:11:46 PM

Date Last Edited:

11/5/2025 7:11:43 PM

Last Action Effective Date:

Organization Details

Business Unit (Location):

LACMP

Organization Code:

1300O

Organization:

LETTERS AND SCIENCE

Division Code:

1340D

Division:

L&S PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Department:

099500 - EARTH, PLANETARY, AND SPACE SCIENCES

Position Details

UCPath Position Number:

TBD_189890

Position Description ID

245664

UC Payroll Title:

RSCH AND DEV ENGR 1 TX (004756)

Personnel Program

Professional and Support Staff (PSS)

Salary Grade:

STEPS

Job Code FLSA:

Non-Exempt

Union Code (Collective Bargaining Unit):

TX: Technical

Employee Relations Code:

E: All Others - Not Confidential

Employee Class (Appt Type):

2 - Staff: Career

Full-Time Equivalent (FTE)

1

SUPERVISION

UCPath Reports to Position Number:

41140769

Reports to Payroll Title:

RSCH DEV ENG 4

UCPath Department Head Position Number:

40059547

Department Head Payroll Title:

Department Chair

GENERAL SUPERVISION - Indicates that the incumbent develops procedures for performance of variety of duties; or performs complex duties within established policy guidelines.

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the supervision of the R&D Eng 4. will procure, build and maintain high performance computer clusters and geophysical field equipment. The R&D Eng 1. will also maintain a computer machine room and associated cooling systems, as well as a spacecraft instrument operations facility. The R&D Eng 1 will also interface with personnel within the EPSS department at UCLA for purchasing, building maintenance and IT support. This is an in-person position with no remote components.

Welcome to the Department of Earth, Planetary, and Space Sciences (EPSS) at UCLA. Our mission is to understand Earth and our surrounding solar system, as well as extrasolar planets and the star systems that host them. EPSS continues to provide new insights about the processes that formed our universe and that continue to shape its evolution. Our department is committed to advancing rigorous scientific discovery, multimodal education, and impactful STEAM outreach. We are proud to have a department culture based on respect, collaboration, and openness to new ideas and methodologies.

Purchasing

• Research technical specifications for products for purchase

• Identify approved vendors

• Interface with vendors to receive quotes

• Create documentation and paperwork for UCLA purchasing

• Interface with EPSS purchasing

• Receive items and confirm safe shipment

25%

Maintenance

• Monitor computer cluster for disk drive failures

• Replace failed disk drives

• Repair and replace and upgrade existing computer cluster components

• Maintain computer cluster spare parts inventory

• Monitor cluster cooling system for failures

• Repair cluster cooling system

• Maintain and organize field equipment

25%

Installation and Testing

• Build, configure and install new computer cluster equipment

• Install new cluster equipment and associated cabling

• Install computer cluster software

• Build, install, and test geophysical field equipment

25%

Research and Analysis

• Maintain a task list for multiple concurrent projects

• Assist in the configuration of spacecraft operations facilities, and associated IT infrastructure

• Attend weekly research group meetings

• Assist in geophysical field studies

25%

•

Performs other duties as assigned.

•

Complies with all policies and standards.

•

Complies with the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Principles of Community.

•

This position description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities, duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time, with or without notice, in accordance with the needs of the organization.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's Degree

in science or engineering and / or equivalent experience / training

Required

Driver License

•

Must possess, upon hire, and maintain a valid CA noncommercial Class C License in accordance with the California (CA) Department of Motor Vehicles.

Required

Experience building and maintaining high-performance computer clusters.

Required

Experience maintaining server room cooling and power distribution equipment.

Required

Experience with Google office tools.

Required

Capable of lifting and moving equipment up to 50 pounds.

Required

Capable of participating in multi-day research field trips.

Required

Ability to operate and drive University vehicles.

Required

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS AND/OR CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Background Check: Continued employment is contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory background investigation.

Live Scan Background Check: A Live Scan background check must be completed prior to the start of employment.

E-Verify Check: The position is funded by federal contracts/subcontracts requiring UCLA to notify job applicants that an E-Verify check will be conducted and the successful candidate(s) must pass the E-Verify check.

Driving Record: The position is subject to the California DMV "Pull Notice System" and continued employment is contingent upon proof of a satisfactory driving record.

10%

Travel to support field investigations in California.

LOCATION AND PHYSICAL, ENVIRONMENTAL, MENTAL (PEM) REQUIREMENTS

Environment and Work Location Information

Environment Type:

Non-Clinical Setting

Location Setting:

Campus

Location:

Geology Bldg

Standing/Walking

X

Sitting

X

Bending/Stooping

X

Squatting/Kneeling

X

Climbing

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 0-25 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull 26-50 lbs

X

Lifting/Carrying/Push/Pull over 50 lbs

X

Physical requirements other

X

Chemicals, dust, gases, or fumes

X

Loud noise levels

X

Marked changes in humidity or temperature

X

Microwave/Radiation

X

Operating motor vehicles and/or equipment

X

Exposures other

X

Sustained attention and concentration

X

X

Complex problem solving/reasoning

X

X

Ability to organize & prioritize

X

X

Communication skills

X

X

Numerical skills

X

X

Mental demands other

X

X

Classification 3:  Position in which exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues is not part of the position description. The normal routine task involves no exposure to blood, body fluids or tissues and the employee can decline to perform tasks which involve a perceived risk without retribution.